Hand Painted Figurine Appraisal

Limited Edition 'Anna 6th Ave' Hand-Painted Figurine Base

The item is the base of what appears to be a ceramic or porcelain figurine, possibly a 'Sandy Shoes' figurine as suggested by the context. The base is an off-white or cream color, indicating it is likely made of glazed ceramic or porcelain. It features a rectangular footprint with gently rounded corners, and the top surface appears to be slightly recessed or concave. Two circular holes are present on the underside, near opposing corners, which are characteristic of ceramic manufacturing processes, often used for ventilation during firing to prevent cracking or allowing the contents of a slip-casting mold to drain. The most prominent features are the manufacturer's markings stamped in blue on the underside. These markings include a crown insignia, possibly indicating a royal warrant or a historical European manufacturer. Below the crown, the text 'ANNA 6TH AVE' (the '6TH AVE' part is slightly unclear but discernible) and 'HAND PAINTED' are visible. A numerical inscription '55/1550' is also present, which strongly suggests that this is a limited edition piece, being number 55 out of a total edition of 1550. The precision of the stamping suggests a well-established manufacturing process. The base shows minor signs of wear and handling, including some dirt buildup around the edges and within the recessed areas, consistent with age and typical display use. There are no visible cracks, chips, or significant damage, indicating a generally good state of preservation for this portion of the item. The craftsmanship appears to be of good quality, with smooth glazing and clear, albeit slightly faded, markings. The style period is hard to ascertain from the base alone but the 'Hand Painted' inscription and the limited edition numbering system often point to mid-20th century or later collectible figurines.